The White House's high-stakes talks with Pyongyang over its nuclear program have entered a crucial phase, with the negotiations likely to hinge on a scheduled meeting Sunday between U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.

The U.S. State Department announced Tuesday that Pompeo and Kim would meet over the weekend as part of a whirlwind three-day trip to the region by the secretary of state.

The top American diplomat is seeking a breakthrough in the stalled talks and will be looking to lay the groundwork for a second summit between Kim and U.S. President Donald Trump.